Figures published by HMRC have revealed that a significant number of taxpayers filed their self assessment tax returns over the festive period.

According to HMRC, 3,003 taxpayers filed their tax returns on Christmas Day. The peak time for filing on Christmas Day was between 12:00pm and 12:59pm. During this time, 245 taxpayers submitted their tax returns.

22,035 taxpayers filed their tax returns on Christmas Eve, HMRC revealed. A further 9,254 taxpayers filed their returns on Boxing Day. The peak filing time on Boxing Day was between 12:00pm and 1:00pm.

Commenting on the figures, Angela MacDonald, Director General for Customer Services at HMRC, said: 'Whether you squeezed it in before tucking into a Christmas pudding, after the Queen's Speech, or trying to grab a bargain during the festive sales, our online service is available for you to file your tax return at any time you wish.'

HMRC expects 11 million taxpayers to submit their self assessment tax return by the 31 January deadline.

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